Synopsis

SYNOPSIS

Act One

Scene 1: Garden Estate

Young Cinderella is playing outside with her mother and father when suddenly her
mother is taken ill. In terrifying rapidity, her mother is taken from her and Four
Fates are left to watch over Cinderella, who weeps over her mother’s grave.
A tree sprouts from her tears.

Scene 2: Royal Palace

The young Prince Guillaume and his friend Benjamin (the valet’s son) are
pursued by Madame Mansard (the prince’s dancing mistress). They dash through
the hallways of the palace, causing havoc. Suddenly King Albert and Queen Charlotte
appear, stiff and formal. The king is appalled at Guillaume’s lack of discipline,
but the queen is more forgiving. The boys dash off again into the garden.

Scene 3: The Grave

Cinderella, now older, brings flowers to her mother’s grave. Two girls, Clementine
and Edwina, appear, followed by their mother Hortensia, on the arm of Cinderella’s
father. Cinderella realizes that this is to be her new family. Hortensia hands Clementine
a bouquet to present to Cinderella who, horrified on behalf of her dead mother, discards
it. Her father insists that she take the flowers, but Cinderella hurls them at Hortensia’s
feet. Cinderella’s father will not tolerate this behavior. Fueled by pride,
Cinderella assumes a subservient attitude towards the women, thus sealing her own
fate.

Scene 4: Royal Palace Gallery

King Albert attempts to explain to his grown son the political connections to be
gained by marrying a titled princess. Queen Charlotte writes invitations to an upcoming
ball, where the prince will meet these prospective brides. Guillaume is distracted
by Benjamin, who imitates the many foreign princesses in the portraits hanging on
the walls. King Albert becomes enraged at his son’s lack of responsibility to
his future kingdom, but Guillaume can’t believe his parents would force him
into a loveless marriage. Albert insists the invitations be delivered in person by
the prince himself. Guillaume and Benjamin hatch a plan to trade places, pretending
to be one another.

Scene 5: Cinderella’s Kitchen

Cinderella stoically serves her family breakfast. The briefest sign of tenderness
towards Cinderella from her father is frowned upon by Hortensia. Edwina follows closely
in her mother’s footsteps, gaining favors from her. Clementine, the sweeter
stepsister, is bullied into following suit. A poor beggar arrives at the door seeking
food and warmth. Taking pity, Cinderella brings him into the kitchen, but Hortensia,
horrified, casts him out again. “The Prince” (Benjamin) appears at the
door. He has discovered the poor beggar outside and insists that Hortensia provide
him with food and warmth. Hortensia feigns concern and orders Cinderella to help the
beggar. “The Prince” has come to deliver invitations to a ball where he
shall choose his bride.

Left alone with Cinderella, the beggar (Prince Guillaume in disguise) sees true
kindness in this girl. The two pretend to be at the ball, laughing and dancing.

Scene 6: The Night of the Ball

Cinderella is cleaning the kitchen when the rest of her family appears, dressed
for the ball. There was an invitation for Cinderella, but Hortensia throws it into
the fire, and her family departs for the palace without Cinderella. The Fates, who
have continued to watch over Cinderella, present her with her invitation and lead
her to her mother’s grave.

Scene 7: The Grave

From the tree, spirits of Lightness, Fluidity, Generosity, and Mystery appear to
teach Cinderella the steps she will need for the ball. Embraced by the branches, Cinderella
is transformed and the Fates send her on her way to the ball—cryptically warning
her to keep an eye on the time.

Act Two

The Palace Ballroom

The ball is underway when Cinderella’s family arrives. The king and queen
witness the rather tipsy arrival of Prince Guillaume and Benjamin, neither in correct
attire for such a formal occasion. Cinderella’s stepsisters still believe Benjamin
to be the prince, giving the two young men another chance for deception. Guillaume
finds he is uninterested in any of the eligible ladies, stepsisters included. A magical
atmosphere fills the ballroom as a mysterious masked girl arrives. Guillaume is immediately
drawn to her. Cinderella, recognizing Guillaume as the urchin, turns to flee, but
is gently guided back to him by the Fates. The couple waltz together. Seeing the interest
the prince shows in this mysterious beauty, Hortensia takes to the bottle, humiliating
herself. Benjamin dances with Clementine, whom he likes. Guillaume and Cinderella
dance, falling deeper in love. When Hortensia rips off Cinderella’s mask, it
is time for her to flee. In the chaos caused by her sudden departure, she leaves behind
one golden shoe. Guillaume vows to marry her.

Act Three

Scene 1: In the Kingdom

Benjamin and Guillaume search for Cinderella, trying the shoe on every female foot
they can find.

Scene 2: Cinderella’s Kitchen

Cinderella awakens, and with the help of the Fates, remembers her astonishing night
at the palace. Hiding the other golden shoe on the mantelpiece, she resigns herself
to her daily chores. Clementine tells Cinderella of the boy she met, and then Edwina
turns suspicious when she spies Cinderella dancing steps from the ball. Hortensia
viciously attacks Cinderella, and her father must step in. Unannounced, Benjamin and
Guillaume arrive, exhausted from trying the shoe on so many feet. When the shoe does
not fit either of the stepsisters, Hortensia throws it into the fire. Cinderella comes
forward with the matching shoe: Prince Guillaume has found his princess. Cinderella
and her prince leave the family behind. All is not lost for Clementine, however, as
Benjamin returns to take her with him. And a royal wedding is held.